Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan said that the team is still believing that ‘miracles can happen’ despite the team’s poor performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Pakistan has lost three matches on a trot out of five played and the morale is at an all-time low.
This was especially after a shocking loss to Afghanistan, who had previously lost 7 times in ODIs to the Men in Green, but this time registered their first-ever win in the format against Pakistan.
However, Shadab said that Pakistan has the potential to stage a comeback with their backs against the walls. Babar Azam’s men will be looking to make amends in the match against South Africa on Friday, October 27 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
"We have under-performed in all three departments - batting, bowling and fielding. We have not played good cricket but have bounced back from such situations,” Shadab said in the pre-match presser in Chennai.
With four group games to play, Pakistan can still make the semi-finals but there is little margin for error. However, as well as victory on Friday, they also need to improve their -0.40 net run-rate which could prove to be the tie-breaker in the race for semi-final spots.
"If you have belief, miracles happen. We have not played like we were playing before the World Cup but from tomorrow we have to start a winning streak. When you are in a do-or-die position then I think the pressure is less because you have nothing to lose,” Shadab added.
In the interim, Pakistan has received harsh criticism. Former cricketer Wasim Akram reacted angrily, claiming that cricketers must prioritize fitness to improve their game. In response to the criticism, Shadab stated that Pakistan will not be slowed down.
“See, this is individual and you should accept reality if you are not able to perform, then you should be honest with yourself. Because you know best about yourself - maybe no one else knows about me. So, I think you should analyze yourself. You should have an honest opinion about yourself. Talk to yourself,” he stated.
“Criticizing is the easiest thing and anyone can do it - that should make no difference. I have a simple theory that whatever talent God has given if you give it 100% in the ground, that's it. Because the result is not in our hands. What is written for us, has to happen. So, do what is in your hands, the rest is in God's hands,” Shadab added.
Victory, he insists, will hopefully quieten the criticism which has grown steadily since the eighth loss in eight World Cup meetings to India.
(AFP inputs)
